Abstract: Tire bead rubber compositions and tire beads made therewith are provided having good dimensional stability, processability and wire adhesion Tire bead rubber compositions containing crosslinked styrene butadiene rubber are also provided having good dimensional stability, processability and wire adhesion. Methods for manufacturing tire beads and tires using dimensionally stale compositions are further provided.

Abstract: A center post assembly for a tire curing press comprising a center post having a upper component disposed above a lower component. The upper component is movable between a first position wherein the upper component is adjacent to the lower component and a second position wherein the upper component is axially displaced away from the lower component and substantially adjacent to an upper bead of a green tire assembly. The center post assembly further includes a bladder sealingly clamped to the upper and lower components. The bladder is in fluid communication with a fluid supply. The upper component moves between said first and second positions due to expansion of the bladder caused by introduction of fluid into the bladder from the fluid supply allowing the bladder to evenly disperse on the inner surface of the green tire assembly substantially reducing the risk of the bladder being damaged by the mold as it closes.

Abstract: Tire bead rubber compositions and tire beads made therewith are provided having good dimensional stability, processability and wire adhesion Tire bead rubber compositions containing crosslinked styrene butadiene rubber are also provided having good dimensional stability, processability and wire adhesion. Methods for manufacturing tire beads and tires using dimensionally stale compositions are further provided.

Abstract: Spacers for bladder assemblies for standing post tire curing presses and bladder assemblies for same are provided having a spacer with first and second parts biased by a spring, so that they are freely slidable relative to one another so as to cover the center post of the tire curing press during its operation.